Russia-Backed Hackers Target Signal and WhatsApp Accounts in Global Cyber Campaign
Security agencies have warned about a global hacking campaign linked to Russia that is targeting users of encrypted messaging apps Signal and WhatsApp through phishing and social-engineering tactics to gain account access.
March 12, 2026 | Amsterdam :A large-scale cyber espionage campaign believed to be backed by Russian state-linked hackers is targeting users of the messaging platforms Signal and WhatsApp, according to warnings issued by European intelligence agencies. The attacks are aimed primarily at government officials, military personnel and journalists, raising concerns about the security of sensitive communications worldwide.
Authorities say the hackers are not breaking the apps’ encryption but are instead exploiting human behaviour through phishing and social-engineering techniques. Victims are typically sent messages claiming that suspicious activity has been detected on their accounts and are asked to complete a verification process. During this process, attackers persuade users to share one-time verification codes or account PINs, allowing them to take control of the messaging account.
Once access is gained, attackers can read private conversations, monitor group chats and gather sensitive information. Intelligence officials believe that in some cases confidential communications may already have been compromised through these methods. Cybersecurity experts emphasize that the messaging platforms themselves remain technically secure, as their end-to-end encryption has not been breached. Instead, the campaign highlights how cyber attackers increasingly rely on manipulation and deception rather than technical vulnerabilities to gain access to valuable data.
Security agencies have advised users to remain cautious when receiving unexpected messages requesting verification codes or login credentials. Experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links and never sharing verification codes with anyone claiming to represent platform support. The warning underscores the growing role of cyber espionage in global geopolitical tensions and highlights the importance of digital awareness as messaging apps continue to be widely used for sensitive communication across governments, media and businesses
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